being a crisis leader during the economic downturn

Strategic Crisis Leadership

Bruce T. Blythe, CEOwww.cmiatl.com404-841-3400

For:

Copyright © 2009 Crisis Management International All Rights Reserved

Business, Braves and the Bottom-Line™

Educational Seminar Series

“Crises magnify the significance of small weaknesses.” Bruce T. Blythe

Stewards of Core Assets

• People

• Reputation

• Brand

• Trust

• Finances

• Shareholder value

• Ability of operate

• Physical property

• Intellectual property

• Key Relationships

In a crisis, your job is to protect . . .

Crisis Management vs. Crisis Leadership

Crisis response . . .

Managing vs. Leading React AnticipateShort-term Long-termProcess PrinciplesNarrow Wide

focusTactical Strategic

Crisis Leadership Triad

Be

Know Do

1. Vision / Know

2. Communication / Do

3. Caring / Be

Eyes

Mouth

Heart

Defining MomentDefining Decision: Turning point.

Crossroads. Strategic direction.

That answers . . . • How will you handle this crisis?

Establishing Vision

• Journaling• Research findings:

•Increases clarity•Enhances judgment •Improves decision making

“Write it down”

Establishing Vision: Rule of Thumb

• Core Assets

• Protection

• Impacted Stakeholders • Identify and

address needs and concerns

• Anticipation

• Likely progression Crisis leadership Rules of

Thumb

Focus on “CIA”:

Crisis Communications

So people will understand and retain, use . . .

• 3 key messages…… maximum

•Each 7 to 12 words… maximum

• 3 supporting facts…. maximum

Source: Center for Risk Communication

Guiding Principles…Values for Caring Crisis Response

1. Well-being of people first, with caring and compassion

2. Assume appropriate responsibility

3. Address needs of all stakeholders in a timely manner

4. All decisions and actions based on honesty and ethical guidelines

5. Available, visible and open communication with all impacted parties

Crisis Leadership Checklist• Strategic Mapping

• Define the crisis (beyond the obvious)• Issues / impact on core assets• How can the situation escalate?• What would successful resolution look like… for each

stakeholder?

• Stakeholders• Anticipate needs of every impacted stakeholder• What would you want if you were in their position?

• Impact• What would be the impact of our actions? (Intended vs.

Unintended)

• Implementation• What needs to: Start? Stop?• Who is going to do it? (Reports to whom?)• Timing? (Immediate, Delay, Defer?)• Communications to and from each appropriate

stakeholder

Strategic Crisis Leadership

Bruce T. Blythe, CEOwww.cmiatl.com404-841-3400

For:

Copyright © 2009 Crisis Management International All Rights Reserved

Business, Braves and the Bottom-Line™

Educational Seminar Series